Nicotine pod assemblies and nicotine e-vaping devices

ABSTRACT

A nicotine pod assembly for a nicotine e-vaping device may include a first section and a second section connected to the first section. The first section may define a pod outlet and be configured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The second section may define a pod inlet and be configured to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The pod inlet is in fluidic communication with the pod outlet via a flow path. The flow path may include a first diverged portion, a second diverged portion, and a converged portion. A nicotine e-vaping device may include a device body defining a through hole configured to receive the nicotine pod assembly such that a pod inlet for the air flow is exposed when the nicotine pod assembly is seated within the through hole.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation under 35 U.S.C. § 120 of U.S.application Ser. No. 16/696,007, filed on Nov. 26, 2019, the entirecontents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND Field

The present disclosure relates to nicotine electronic vaping (e-vaping)devices.

Description of Related Art

Some nicotine e-vaping devices include a first section coupled to asecond section. The first section may include a wick and a heater. Thewick is configured to move a nicotine pre-vapor formulation viacapillary action and is positioned so as to extend into a reservoir anda vapor passage. The heater is in thermal contact with the wick and isconfigured to vaporize the nicotine pre-vapor formulation drawn via thewick into the vapor passage. The second section includes a power sourceconfigured to supply an electric current to the heater during vaping.The initiation of the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device may beachieved through manual- and/or puff-activation.

SUMMARY

At least one embodiment relates to a nicotine pod assembly for anicotine e-vaping device.

In an example embodiment, a nicotine pod assembly may include a firstsection and a second section connected to the first section. The firstsection may define a pod outlet and be configured to hold a nicotinepre-vapor formulation. The second section may define a pod inlet and beconfigured to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The pod inlet isin fluidic communication with the pod outlet via a flow path. The flowpath may include a first diverged portion, a second diverged portion,and a converged portion.

At least one embodiment relates to a device body for a nicotine e-vapingdevice.

In an example embodiment, a device body may include a device housingdefining a through hole configured to receive a nicotine pod assembly.The through hole includes an upstream sidewall and a downstreamsidewall. The upstream sidewall includes at least one upstreamprotrusion, and the downstream sidewall includes at least one downstreamprotrusion. The at least one downstream protrusion is retractablerelative to adjacent surfaces of the downstream sidewall and isconfigured to engage with at least one downstream recess of the nicotinepod assembly to retain the nicotine pod assembly within the throughhole.

At least one embodiment relates to a nicotine e-vaping device.

In an example embodiment, a nicotine e-vaping device may include anicotine pod assembly and a device body configured to receive thenicotine pod assembly. The nicotine pod assembly may include a firstsection and a second section. The first section may be configured tohold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The second section may beconfigured to diverge and converge an air flow into the nicotine podassembly prior to a passage of the air flow through the first section.The device body may define a through hole configured to receive thenicotine pod assembly such that a pod inlet for the air flow is exposedwhen the nicotine pod assembly is seated within the through hole.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The various features and advantages of the non-limiting embodimentsherein may become more apparent upon review of the detailed descriptionin conjunction with the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawingsare merely provided for illustrative purposes and should not beinterpreted to limit the scope of the claims. The accompanying drawingsare not to be considered as drawn to scale unless explicitly noted. Forpurposes of clarity, various dimensions of the drawings may have beenexaggerated.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a nicotine e-vaping device according to anexample embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a side view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a proximal end view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a distal end view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pod inlet in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG.6 .

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device body of the nicotine e-vapingdevice of FIG. 6 .

FIG. 10 is a front view of the device body of FIG. 9 .

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the device electricalcontacts in FIG. 10 .

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view involving the mouthpiece in FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view involving the bezel structure inFIG. 9 .

FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece, springs,retention structure, and bezel structure in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 16 is a partially exploded view involving the front cover, theframe, and the rear cover in FIG. 14 .

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the nicotine pod assembly of thenicotine e-vaping device in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 18 is another perspective view of the nicotine pod assembly of FIG.17 .

FIG. 19 is another perspective view of the nicotine pod assembly of FIG.18 .

FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view of the nicotine pod assembly ofFIG. 19 .

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the connector module in FIG. 20 .

FIG. 22 is another perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 21 .

FIG. 23 is an exploded view involving the wick and heater in FIG. 22 .

FIG. 24 is an exploded view involving the first housing section of thenicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded view involving the second housingsection of the nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 .

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the top hat holder in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the activation pin in FIG. 25 .

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 22 withoutthe wick and heater.

FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the connector module of FIG. 28 .

FIG. 30 is another exploded view of the connector module of FIG. 28 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some detailed example embodiments are disclosed herein. However,specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are merelyrepresentative for purposes of describing example embodiments. Exampleembodiments may, however, be embodied in many alternate forms and shouldnot be construed as limited to only the example embodiments set forthherein.

Accordingly, while example embodiments are capable of variousmodifications and alternative forms, example embodiments thereof areshown by way of example in the drawings and will herein be described indetail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent tolimit example embodiments to the particular forms disclosed, but to thecontrary, example embodiments are to cover all modifications,equivalents, and alternatives thereof. Like numbers refer to likeelements throughout the description of the figures.

It should be understood that when an element or layer is referred to asbeing “on,” “connected to,” “coupled to,” “attached to,” “adjacent to,”“covering,” etc. another element or layer, it may be directly on,connected to, coupled to, attached to, adjacent to, covering, etc. theother element or layer or intervening elements or layers may be present.In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly on,”“directly connected to,” “directly coupled to,” etc. another element orlayer, there are no intervening elements or layers present. Like numbersrefer to like elements throughout the specification. As used herein, theterm “and/or” includes any and all combinations or sub-combinations ofone or more of the associated listed items.

It should be understood that, although the terms first, second, third,etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, regions, layersand/or sections, these elements, regions, layers, and/or sections shouldnot be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguishone element, region, layer, or section from another region, layer, orsection. Thus, a first element, region, layer, or section discussedbelow could be termed a second element, region, layer, or sectionwithout departing from the teachings of example embodiments.

Spatially relative terms (e.g., “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,”“upper,” and the like) may be used herein for ease of description todescribe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) orfeature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It should be understood thatthe spatially relative terms are intended to encompass differentorientations of the device in use or operation in addition to theorientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in thefigures is turned over, elements described as “below” or “beneath” otherelements or features would then be oriented “above” the other elementsor features. Thus, the term “below” may encompass both an orientation ofabove and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptorsused herein interpreted accordingly.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing variousexample embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of exampleembodiments. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” areintended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearlyindicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms“includes,” “including,” “comprises,” and/or “comprising,” when used inthis specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers,steps, operations, and/or elements, but do not preclude the presence oraddition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations,elements, and/or groups thereof.

When the term “same” or “identical” is used in the description ofexample embodiments, it should be understood that some imprecisions mayexist. Thus, when one element or value is referred to as being the sameas another element or value, it should be understood that the element orvalue is the same as the other element or value within a manufacturingor operational tolerance range (e.g., ±10%).

When the terms “about” or “substantially” are used in connection with anumerical value, it should be understood that the associated numericalvalue includes a manufacturing or operational tolerance (e.g., ±10%)around the stated numerical value. Moreover, when the words “generally”and “substantially” are used in connection with a geometric shape, itshould be understood that the precision of the geometric shape is notrequired but that latitude for the shape is within the scope of thedisclosure.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientificterms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by oneof ordinary skill in the art to which example embodiments belong. Itwill be further understood that terms, including those defined incommonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted as having a meaningthat is consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant artand will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal senseunless expressly so defined herein.

Hardware may be implemented using processing or control circuitry suchas, but not limited to, one or more processors, one or more CentralProcessing Units (CPUs), one or more microcontrollers, one or morearithmetic logic units (ALUs), one or more digital signal processors(DSPs), one or more microcomputers, one or more field programmable gatearrays (FPGAs), one or more System-on-Chips (SoCs), one or moreprogrammable logic units (PLUs), one or more microprocessors, one ormore Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), or any otherdevice or devices capable of responding to and executing instructions ina defined manner.

FIG. 1 is a front view of a nicotine e-vaping device according to anexample embodiment. FIG. 2 is a side view of the nicotine e-vapingdevice of FIG. 1 . FIG. 3 is a rear view of the nicotine e-vaping deviceof FIG. 1 . Referring to FIGS. 1-3 , a nicotine e-vaping device 500includes a device body 100 that is configured to receive a nicotine podassembly 300. The nicotine pod assembly 300 is a modular articleconfigured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation. A nicotinepre-vapor formulation is a material or combination of materials that maybe transformed into a nicotine vapor. For example, the nicotinepre-vapor formulation may include a liquid, solid, and/or gelformulation. These may include, for example and without limitation,water, oil, emulsions, beads, solvents, active ingredients, ethanol,plant extracts, nicotine, natural or artificial flavors, vapor formerssuch as glycerin and propylene glycol, and/or any other ingredients thatmay be suitable for vaping. During vaping, the nicotine e-vaping device500 is configured to heat the nicotine pre-vapor formulation to generatea nicotine vapor. Nicotine vapor, nicotine aerosol, and nicotinedispersion are used interchangeably and refer to the matter generated oroutputted by the devices disclosed, claimed, and/or equivalents thereof,wherein such matter contains nicotine. The nicotine e-vaping device 500may be regarded as an electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS).

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3 , the nicotine e-vaping device 500 extends ina longitudinal direction and has a length that is greater than itswidth. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 , the length of the nicotinee-vaping device 500 is also greater than its thickness. Furthermore, thewidth of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be greater than itsthickness. Assuming an x-y-z Cartesian coordinate system, the length ofthe nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be measured in the y-direction, thewidth may be measured in the x-direction, and the thickness may bemeasured in the z-direction. The nicotine e-vaping device 500 may have asubstantially linear form with tapered ends based on its front, side,and rear views, although example embodiments are not limited thereto.

The device body 100 includes a front cover 104, a frame 106, and a rearcover 108. The front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108form a device housing that encloses mechanical components, electroniccomponents, and/or circuitry associated with the operation of thenicotine e-vaping device 500. For instance, the device housing of thedevice body 100 may enclose a power source configured to power thenicotine e-vaping device 500, which may include supplying an electriccurrent to the nicotine pod assembly 300. In addition, when assembled,the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 mayconstitute a majority of the visible portion of the device body 100. Thedevice housing may be regarded as including all constituent parts of thedevice body 100 except for the mouthpiece 102. Stated differently, themouthpiece 102 and the device housing may be regarded as forming thedevice body 100.

The front cover 104 (e.g., first cover) defines a primary openingconfigured to accommodate a bezel structure 112. The primary opening mayhave a rounded rectangular shape, although other shapes are possibledepending on the shape of the bezel structure 112. The bezel structure112 defines a through hole 150 configured to receive the nicotine podassembly 300. The through hole 150 is discussed herein in more detail inconnection with, for instance, FIG. 9 .

The front cover 104 also defines a secondary opening configured toaccommodate a light guide arrangement. The secondary opening mayresemble a slot (e.g., segmented slot), although other shapes arepossible depending on the shape of the light guide arrangement. In anexample embodiment, the light guide arrangement includes a light guidelens 116. Furthermore, the front cover 104 defines a tertiary openingand a quaternary opening configured to accommodate a first button 118and a second button 120. Each of the tertiary opening and the quaternaryopening may resemble a rounded square, although other shapes arepossible depending on the shapes of the buttons. A first button housing122 is configured to expose a first button lens 124, while a secondbutton housing 123 is configured to expose a second button lens 126.

The operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may be controlled bythe first button 118 and the second button 120. For instance, the firstbutton 118 may be a power button, and the second button 120 may be anintensity button. Although two buttons are shown in the drawings, itshould be understood that more (or less) buttons may be provideddepending on the available features and desired user interface.

The frame 106 (e.g., base frame) is the central support structure forthe device body 100 (and the nicotine e-vaping device 500 as a whole).The frame 106 may be referred to as a chassis. The frame 106 includes aproximal end, a distal end, and a pair of side sections between theproximal end and the distal end. The proximal end and the distal end mayalso be referred to as the downstream end and the upstream end,respectively. As used herein, “proximal” (and, conversely, “distal”) isin relation to an adult vaper during vaping, and “downstream” (and,conversely, “upstream”) is in relation to a flow of the nicotine vapor.A bridging section may be provided between the opposing inner surfacesof the side sections (e.g., about midway along the length of the frame106) for additional strength and stability. The frame 106 may beintegrally formed so as to be a monolithic structure.

With regard to material of construction, the frame 106 may be formed ofan alloy or a plastic. The alloy (e.g., die cast grade, machinablegrade) may be an aluminum (Al) alloy or a zinc (Zn) alloy. The plasticmay be a polycarbonate (PC), an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS),or a combination thereof (PC/ABS). For instance, the polycarbonate maybe LUPOY SC1004A. Furthermore, the frame 106 may be provided with asurface finish for functional and/or aesthetic reasons (e.g., to providea premium appearance). In an example embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g.,when formed of an aluminum alloy) may be anodized. In anotherembodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., when formed of a zinc alloy) may becoated with a hard enamel or painted. In another embodiment, the frame106 (e.g., when formed of a polycarbonate) may be metallized. In yetanother embodiment, the frame 106 (e.g., when formed of an acrylonitrilebutadiene styrene) may be electroplated. It should be understood thatthe materials of construction with regard to the frame 106 may also beapplicable to the front cover 104, the rear cover 108, and/or otherappropriate parts of the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

The rear cover 108 (e.g., second cover) also defines an openingconfigured to accommodate the bezel structure 112. The opening may havea rounded rectangular shape, although other shapes are possibledepending on the shape of the bezel structure 112. In an exampleembodiment, the opening in the rear cover 108 is smaller than theprimary opening in the front cover 104. In addition, although not shown,it should be understood that a light guide arrangement and/or buttonsmay be provided on the rear of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 inaddition to (or in lieu of) the light guide arrangement and buttons onthe front of the nicotine e-vaping device 500.

The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 may be configured to engagewith the frame 106 via a snap-fit arrangement. For instance, the frontcover 104 and/or the rear cover 108 may include clips configured tointerlock with corresponding mating members of the frame 106. In anon-limiting embodiment, the clips may be in a form of tabs withorifices configured to receive the corresponding mating members (e.g.,protrusions with beveled edges) of the frame 106. Alternatively, thefront cover 104 and/or the rear cover 108 may be configured to engagewith the frame 106 via an interference fit (which may also be referredto as a press fit or friction fit). However, it should be understoodthat the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 may becoupled via other suitable arrangements and techniques.

The device body 100 also includes a mouthpiece 102. The mouthpiece 102may be secured to the proximal end of the frame 106. Additionally, asshown in FIG. 2 , in an example embodiment where the frame 106 issandwiched between the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108, themouthpiece 102 may abut the front cover 104, the frame 106, and the rearcover 108. Furthermore, in a non-limiting embodiment, the mouthpiece 102may be joined with the device housing via a bayonet connection.

FIG. 4 is a proximal end view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1. Referring to FIG. 4 , the outlet face of the mouthpiece 102 defines aplurality of vapor outlets. In a non-limiting embodiment, the outletface of the mouthpiece 102 may be elliptically-shaped. In addition, theoutlet face of the mouthpiece 102 may include a first crossbarcorresponding to a major axis of the elliptically-shaped outlet face anda second crossbar corresponding to a minor axis of theelliptically-shaped outlet face. Furthermore, the first crossbar and thesecond crossbar may intersect perpendicularly and be integrally formedparts of the mouthpiece 102. Although the outlet face is shown asdefining four vapor outlets, it should be understood that exampleembodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the outlet face maydefine less than four (e.g., one, two) vapor outlets or more than four(e.g., six, eight) vapor outlets.

FIG. 5 is a distal end view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1 .Referring to FIG. 5 , the distal end of the nicotine e-vaping device 500includes a port 110. The port 110 is configured to receive an electriccurrent (e.g., via a USB/mini-USB cable) from an external power sourceso as to charge an internal power source within the nicotine e-vapingdevice 500. In addition, the port 110 may also be configured to senddata to and/or receive data (e.g., via a USB/mini-USB cable) fromanother nicotine e-vaping device or other electronic device (e.g.,phone, tablet, computer). Furthermore, the nicotine e-vaping device 500may be configured for wireless communication with another electronicdevice, such as a phone, via an application software (app) installed onthat electronic device. In such an instance, an adult vaper may controlor otherwise interface with the nicotine e-vaping device 500 (e.g.,locate the nicotine e-vaping device, check usage information, changeoperating parameters) through the app.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG. 1 .FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of the pod inlet in FIG. 6 . Referring toFIGS. 6-7 , and as briefly noted above, the nicotine e-vaping device 500includes a nicotine pod assembly 300 configured to hold a nicotinepre-vapor formulation. The nicotine pod assembly 300 has an upstream end(which faces the light guide arrangement) and a downstream end (whichfaces the mouthpiece 102). In a non-limiting embodiment, the upstreamend is an opposing surface of the nicotine pod assembly 300 from thedownstream end. The upstream end of the nicotine pod assembly 300defines a pod inlet 322. The device body 100 defines a through hole(e.g., through hole 150 in FIG. 9 ) configured to receive the nicotinepod assembly 300. In an example embodiment, the bezel structure 112 ofthe device body 100 defines the through hole and includes an upstreamrim. As shown, particularly in FIG. 7 , the upstream rim of the bezelstructure 112 is angled (e.g., dips inward) so as to expose the podinlet 322 when the nicotine pod assembly 300 is seated within thethrough hole of the device body 100.

For instance, rather than following the contour of the front cover 104(so as to be relatively flush with the front face of the nicotine podassembly 300 and, thus, obscure the pod inlet 322), the upstream rim ofthe bezel structure 112 is in a form of a scoop configured to directambient air into the pod inlet 322. This angled/scoop configuration(e.g., which may be curved) may help reduce or prevent the blockage ofthe air inlet (e.g., pod inlet 322) of the nicotine e-vaping device 500.The depth of the scoop may be such that less than half (e.g., less thana quarter) of the upstream end face of the nicotine pod assembly 300 isexposed. Additionally, in a non-limiting embodiment, the pod inlet 322is in a form of a slot. Furthermore, if the device body 100 is regardedas extending in a first direction, then the slot may be regarded asextending in a second direction, wherein the second direction istransverse to the first direction.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the nicotine e-vaping device of FIG.6 . In FIG. 8 , the cross-section is taken along the longitudinal axisof the nicotine e-vaping device 500. As shown, the device body 100 andthe nicotine pod assembly 300 include mechanical components, electroniccomponents, and/or circuitry associated with the operation of thenicotine e-vaping device 500, which are discussed in more detail hereinand/or are incorporated by reference herein. For instance, the nicotinepod assembly 300 may include mechanical components configured to actuateto release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from a sealed reservoirwithin. The nicotine pod assembly 300 may also have mechanical aspectsconfigured to engage with the device body 100 to facilitate theinsertion and seating of the nicotine pod assembly 300.

Additionally, the nicotine pod assembly 300 may be a “smart pod” thatincludes electronic components and/or circuitry configured to store,receive, and/or transmit information to/from the device body 100. Suchinformation may be used to authenticate the nicotine pod assembly 300for use with the device body 100 (e.g., to prevent usage of anunapproved/counterfeit nicotine pod assembly). Furthermore, theinformation may be used to identify a type of the nicotine pod assembly300 which is then correlated with a vaping profile based on theidentified type. The vaping profile may be designed to set forth thegeneral parameters for the heating of the nicotine pre-vapor formulationand may be subject to tuning, refining, or other adjustment by an adultvaper before and/or during vaping.

The nicotine pod assembly 300 may also communicate other informationwith the device body 100 that may be relevant to the operation of thenicotine e-vaping device 500. Examples of relevant information mayinclude a level of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation within thenicotine pod assembly 300 and/or a length of time that has passed sincethe nicotine pod assembly 300 was inserted into the device body 100 andactivated. For instance, if the nicotine pod assembly 300 was insertedinto the device body 100 and activated more than a certain period oftime prior (e.g., more than 6 months ago), the nicotine e-vaping device500 may not permit vaping, and the adult vaper may be prompted to changeto a new nicotine pod assembly even though the nicotine pod assembly 300still contains adequate levels of nicotine pre-vapor formulation.

The device body 100 may include mechanical components (e.g.complementary structures) configured to engage, hold, and/or activatethe nicotine pod assembly 300. In addition, the device body 100 mayinclude electronic components and/or circuitry configured to receive anelectric current to charge an internal power source (e.g., battery)which, in turn, is configured to supply power to the nicotine podassembly 300 during vaping. Furthermore, the device body 100 may includeelectronic components and/or circuitry configured to communicate withthe nicotine pod assembly 300, a different nicotine e-vaping device,other electronic devices (e.g., phone, tablet, computer), and/or theadult vaper. The information being communicated may include pod-specificdata, current vaping details, and/or past vaping patterns/history. Theadult vaper may be notified of such communications with feedback that ishaptic (e.g., vibrations), auditory (e.g., beeps), and/or visual (e.g.,colored/blinking lights). The charging and/or communication ofinformation may be performed with the port 110 (e.g., via a USB/mini-USBcable).

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the device body of the nicotine e-vapingdevice of FIG. 6 . Referring to FIG. 9 , the bezel structure 112 of thedevice body 100 defines a through hole 150. The through hole 150 isconfigured to receive a nicotine pod assembly 300. To facilitate theinsertion and seating of the nicotine pod assembly 300 within thethrough hole 150, the upstream rim of the bezel structure 112 includes afirst upstream protrusion 128 a and a second upstream protrusion 128 b.The through hole 150 may have a rectangular shape with rounded corners.In an example embodiment, the first upstream protrusion 128 a and thesecond upstream protrusion 128 b are integrally formed with the bezelstructure 112 and located at the two rounded corners of the upstreamrim.

The downstream sidewall of the bezel structure 112 may define a firstdownstream opening, a second downstream opening, and a third downstreamopening. A retention structure including a first downstream protrusion130 a and a second downstream protrusion 130 b is engaged with the bezelstructure 112 such that the first downstream protrusion 130 a and thesecond downstream protrusion 130 b protrude through the first downstreamopening and the second downstream opening, respectively, of the bezelstructure 112 and into the through hole 150. In addition, a distal endof the mouthpiece 102 extends through the third downstream opening ofthe bezel structure 112 and into the through hole 150 so as to bebetween the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstreamprotrusion 130 b.

FIG. 10 is a front view of the device body of FIG. 9 . Referring to FIG.10 , the device body 100 includes a device electrical connector 132disposed at an upstream side of the through hole 150. The deviceelectrical connector 132 of the device body 100 is configured toelectrically engage with a nicotine pod assembly 300 that is seatedwithin the through hole 150. As a result, power can be supplied from thedevice body 100 to the nicotine pod assembly 300 via the deviceelectrical connector 132 during vaping. In addition, data can be sent toand/or received from the device body 100 and the nicotine pod assembly300 via the device electrical connector 132.

FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of the through hole in FIG. 10 .Referring to FIG. 11 , the first upstream protrusion 128 a, the secondupstream protrusion 128 b, the first downstream protrusion 130 a, thesecond downstream protrusion 130 b, and the distal end of the mouthpiece102 protrude into the through hole 150. In an example embodiment, thefirst upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 bare stationary structures (e.g., stationary pivots), while the firstdownstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 bare tractable structures (e.g., retractable members). For instance, thefirst downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion130 b may be configured (e.g., spring-loaded) to default to a protractedstate while also configured to transition temporarily to a retractedstate (and reversibly back to the protracted state) to facilitate aninsertion of a nicotine pod assembly 300.

In particular, when inserting a nicotine pod assembly 300 into thethrough hole 150 of the device body 100, recesses at the upstream endface of the nicotine pod assembly 300 may be initially engaged with thefirst upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 bfollowed by a pivoting of the nicotine pod assembly 300 (about the firstupstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b)until recesses at the downstream end face of the nicotine pod assembly300 are engaged with the first downstream protrusion 130 a and thesecond downstream protrusion 130 b. In such an instance, the axis ofrotation (during pivoting) of the nicotine pod assembly 300 may beorthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the device body 100. In addition,the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstreamprotrusion 130 b, which may be biased so as to be tractable, may retractwhen the nicotine pod assembly 300 is being pivoted into the throughhole 150 and resiliently protract to engage recesses at the downstreamend face of the nicotine pod assembly 300. Furthermore, the engagementof the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstreamprotrusion 130 b with recesses at the downstream end face of thenicotine pod assembly 300 may produce a haptic and/or auditory feedback(e.g., audible click) to notify an adult vaper that the nicotine podassembly 300 is properly seated in the through hole 150 of the devicebody 100.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the device electricalcontacts in FIG. 10 . The device electrical contacts of the device body100 are configured to engage with the pod electrical contacts of thenicotine pod assembly 300 when the nicotine pod assembly 300 is seatedwithin the through hole 150 of the device body 100. Referring to FIG. 12, the device electrical contacts of the device body 100 include thedevice electrical connector 132. The device electrical connector 132includes power contacts and data contacts. The power contacts of thedevice electrical connector 132 are configured to supply power from thedevice body 100 to the nicotine pod assembly 300. As illustrated, thepower contacts of the device electrical connector 132 include a firstpower contact and a second power contact (which are positioned so as tobe closer to the front cover 104 than the rear cover 108). The firstpower contact (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the first upstreamprotrusion 128 a) may be a single integral structure that is distinctfrom the second power contact and that, when assembled, includes aprojection that extends into the through hole 150. Similarly, the secondpower contact (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the second upstreamprotrusion 128 b) may be a single integral structure that is distinctfrom the first power contact and that, when assembled, includes aprojection that extends into the through hole 150. The first powercontact and the second power contact of the device electrical connector132 may be tractably-mounted and biased so as to protract into thethrough hole 150 as a default and to retract (e.g., independently) fromthe through hole 150 when subjected to a force that overcomes the bias.

The data contacts of the device electrical connector 132 are configuredto transmit data between a nicotine pod assembly 300 and the device body100. As illustrated, the data contacts of the device electricalconnector 132 include a row of five projections (which are positioned soas to be closer to the rear cover 108 than the front cover 104). Thedata contacts of the device electrical connector 132 may be distinctstructures that, when assembled, extend into the through hole 150. Thedata contacts of the device electrical connector 132 may also betractably-mounted and biased (e.g., via a serpentine structure and/orwith springs) so as to protract into the through hole 150 as a defaultand to retract (e.g., independently) from the through hole 150 whensubjected to a force that overcomes the bias. For instance, when anicotine pod assembly 300 is inserted into the through hole 150 of thedevice body 100, the pod electrical contacts of the nicotine podassembly 300 will press against the corresponding device electricalcontacts of the device body 100. As a result, the power contacts and thedata contacts of the device electrical connector 132 will be retracted(e.g., at least partially retracted) into the device body 100 but willcontinue to push against the corresponding pod electrical contacts dueto their resilient arrangement, thereby helping to ensure a properelectrical connection between the device body 100 and the nicotine podassembly 300. Furthermore, such a connection may also be mechanicallysecure and have minimal contact resistance so as to allow power and/orsignals between the device body 100 and the nicotine pod assembly 300 tobe transferred and/or communicated reliably and accurately. Whilevarious aspects have been discussed in connection with the deviceelectrical contacts of the device body 100, it should be understood thatexample embodiments are not limited thereto and that otherconfigurations may be utilized.

FIG. 13 is a partially exploded view involving the mouthpiece in FIG. 12. Referring to FIG. 13 , the mouthpiece 102 is configured to engage withthe device housing via a retention structure 140. In an exampleembodiment, the retention structure 140 is situated so as to beprimarily between the frame 106 and the bezel structure 112. As shown,the retention structure 140 is disposed within the device housing suchthat the proximal end of the retention structure 140 extends through theproximal end of the frame 106. The retention structure 140 may extendslightly beyond the proximal end of the frame 106 or be substantiallyeven therewith. The proximal end of the retention structure 140 isconfigured to receive a distal end of the mouthpiece 102. The proximalend of the retention structure 140 may be a female end, while the distalend of the mouthpiece may be a male end.

For instance, the mouthpiece 102 may be coupled (e.g., reversiblycoupled) to the retention structure 140 with a bayonet connection. Insuch an instance, the female end of the retention structure 140 maydefine a pair of opposing L-shaped slots, while the male end of themouthpiece 102 may have opposing radial members 134 (e.g., radial pins)configured to engage with the L-shaped slots of the retention structure140. Each of the L-shaped slots of the retention structure 140 may havea longitudinal portion and a circumferential portion. Optionally, theterminus of the circumferential portion may have a serif portion to helpreduce or prevent the likelihood that that a radial member 134 of themouthpiece 102 will inadvertently become disengaged. In a non-limitingembodiment, the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped slots extend inparallel and along a longitudinal axis of the device body 100, while thecircumferential portions of the L-shaped slots extend around thelongitudinal axis (e.g., central axis) of the device body 100. As aresult, to couple the mouthpiece 102 to the device housing, themouthpiece 102 shown in FIG. 13 is initially rotated 90 degrees to alignthe radial members 134 with the entrances to the longitudinal portionsof the L-shaped slots of the retention structure 140. The mouthpiece 102is then pushed into the retention structure 140 such that the radialmembers 134 slide along the longitudinal portions of the L-shaped slotsuntil the junction with each of the circumferential portions is reached.At this point, the mouthpiece 102 is then rotated such that the radialmembers 134 travel across the circumferential portions until theterminus of each is reached. Where a serif portion is present at eachterminus, a haptic and/or auditory feedback (e.g., audible click) may beproduced to notify an adult vaper that the mouthpiece 102 has beenproperly coupled to the device housing.

The mouthpiece 102 defines a vapor passage 136 through which nicotinevapor flows during vaping. The vapor passage 136 is in fluidiccommunication with the through hole 150 (which is where the nicotine podassembly 300 is seated within the device body 100). The proximal end ofthe vapor passage 136 may include a flared portion. In addition, themouthpiece 102 may include an end cover 138. The end cover 138 may taperfrom its distal end to its proximal end. The outlet face of the endcover 138 defines a plurality of vapor outlets. Although four vaporoutlets are shown in the end cover 138, it should be understood thatexample embodiments are not limited thereto.

FIG. 14 is a partially exploded view involving the bezel structure inFIG. 9 . FIG. 15 is an enlarged perspective view of the mouthpiece,springs, retention structure, and bezel structure in FIG. 14 . Referringto FIGS. 14-15 , the bezel structure 112 includes an upstream sidewalland a downstream sidewall. The upstream sidewall of the bezel structure112 defines a connector opening 146. The connector opening 146 isconfigured to expose or receive the device electrical connector 132 ofthe device body 100. The downstream sidewall of the bezel structure 112defines a first downstream opening 148 a, a second downstream opening148 b, and a third downstream opening 148 c. The first downstreamopening 148 a and the second downstream opening 148 b of the bezelstructure 112 are configured to receive the first downstream protrusion130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b, respectively, of theretention structure 140. The third downstream opening 148 c of the bezelstructure 112 is configured to receive the distal end of the mouthpiece102.

As shown in FIG. 14 , the first downstream protrusion 130 a and thesecond downstream protrusion 130 b are on the concave side of theretention structure 140. As shown in FIG. 15 , a first post 142 a and asecond post 142 b are on the opposing convex side of the retentionstructure 140. A first spring 144 a and a second spring 144 b aredisposed on the first post 142 a and the second post 142 b,respectively. The first spring 144 a and the second spring 144 b areconfigured to bias the retention structure 140 against the bezelstructure 112.

When assembled, the bezel structure 112 may be secured to the frame 106via a pair of posts on an underside of the upstream rim of the bezelstructure 112 and adjacent to the connector opening 146. In addition,the retention structure 140 will abut the bezel structure 112 such thatthe first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstreamprotrusion 130 b extend through the first downstream opening 148 a andthe second downstream opening 148 b, respectively. The mouthpiece 102will be coupled to the retention structure 140 such that the distal endof the mouthpiece 102 extends through the retention structure 140 aswell as the third downstream opening 148 c of the bezel structure 112.The first spring 144 a and the second spring 144 b will be between theframe 106 and the retention structure 140.

When a nicotine pod assembly 300 is being inserted into the through hole150 of the device body 100, the downstream end of the nicotine podassembly 300 will push against the first downstream protrusion 130 a andthe second downstream protrusion 130 b of the retention structure 140.As a result, the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the seconddownstream protrusion 130 b of the retention structure 140 willresiliently yield and retract from the through hole 150 of the devicebody 100 (by virtue of compression of the first spring 144 a and thesecond spring 144 b), thereby allowing the insertion of the nicotine podassembly 300 to proceed. In an example embodiment, when the firstdownstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 bare fully retracted from the through hole 150 of the device body 100,the displacement of the retention structure 140 may cause the ends ofthe first post 142 a and the second post 142 b to contact the inner endsurface of the frame 106. Furthermore, because the mouthpiece 102 iscoupled to the retention structure 140, the distal end of the mouthpiece102 will retract from the through hole 150, thus causing the proximalend of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., visible portion including the end cover138) to also shift by a corresponding distance away from the devicehousing.

Once the nicotine pod assembly 300 is adequately inserted such that thefirst downstream recess and the second downstream recess of the nicotinepod assembly 300 reach a position that allows an engagement with thefirst downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion130 b, respectively, the stored energy from the compression of the firstspring 144 a and the second spring 144 b will cause the first downstreamprotrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b toresiliently protract and engage with the first downstream recess and thesecond downstream recess, respectively, of the nicotine pod assembly300. Furthermore, the engagement may produce a haptic and/or auditoryfeedback (e.g., audible click) to notify an adult vaper that thenicotine pod assembly 300 is properly seated within the through hole 150of the device body 100.

FIG. 16 is a partially exploded view involving the front cover, theframe, and the rear cover in FIG. 14 . Referring to FIG. 16 , variousmechanical components, electronic components, and/or circuitryassociated with the operation of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may besecured to the frame 106. The front cover 104 and the rear cover 108 maybe configured to engage with the frame 106 via a snap-fit arrangement.In an example embodiment, the front cover 104 and the rear cover 108include clips configured to interlock with corresponding mating membersof the frame 106. The clips may be in a form of tabs with orificesconfigured to receive the corresponding mating members (e.g.,protrusions with beveled edges) of the frame 106. In FIG. 16 , the frontcover 104 has two rows with four clips each (for a total of eight clipsfor the front cover 104). Similarly, the rear cover 108 has two rowswith four clips each (for a total of eight clips for the rear cover108). The corresponding mating members of the frame 106 may be on theinner sidewalls of the frame 106. As a result, the engaged clips andmating members may be hidden from view when the front cover 104 and therear cover 108 are snapped together. Alternatively, the front cover 104and/or the rear cover 108 may be configured to engage with the frame 106via an interference fit. However, it should be understood that the frontcover 104, the frame 106, and the rear cover 108 may be coupled viaother suitable arrangements and techniques.

FIG. 17 is a perspective view of the nicotine pod assembly of thenicotine e-vaping device in FIG. 6 . FIG. 18 is another perspective viewof the nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 . FIG. 19 is another perspectiveview of the nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 18 . Referring to FIGS. 17-19, the nicotine pod assembly 300 for the nicotine e-vaping device 500includes a pod body configured to hold a nicotine pre-vapor formulation.The pod body has an upstream end and a downstream end. The upstream endof the pod body defines a pod inlet 322. The downstream end of the podbody defines a pod outlet 304 that is in fluidic communication with thepod inlet 322 at the upstream end. During vaping, air enters thenicotine pod assembly 300 via the pod inlet 322, and nicotine vaporexits the nicotine pod assembly 300 via the pod outlet 304. The podinlet 322 is shown in the drawings as being in a form of a slot.However, it should be understood that example embodiments are notlimited thereto and that other forms are possible.

The nicotine pod assembly 300 includes a connector module 320 (e.g.,FIG. 21 ) that is disposed within the pod body and exposed by openingsin the upstream end. The external face of the connector module 320includes at least one electrical contact. The at least one electricalcontact may include a plurality of power contacts. For instance, theplurality of power contacts may include a first power contact 324 a anda second power contact 324 b. The first power contact 324 a of thenicotine pod assembly 300 is configured to electrically connect with thefirst power contact (e.g., the power contact adjacent to the firstupstream protrusion 128 a in FIG. 12 ) of the device electricalconnector 132 of the device body 100. Similarly, the second powercontact 324 b of the nicotine pod assembly 300 is configured toelectrically connect with the second power contact (e.g., the powercontact adjacent to the second upstream protrusion 128 b in FIG. 12 ) ofthe device electrical connector 132 of the device body 100. In addition,the at least one electrical contact of the nicotine pod assembly 300includes a plurality of data contacts 326. The plurality of datacontacts 326 of the nicotine pod assembly 300 are configured toelectrically connect with the data contacts of the device electricalconnector 132 (e.g., row of five projections in FIG. 12 ). While twopower contacts and five data contacts are shown in connection with thenicotine pod assembly 300, it should be understood that other variationsare possible depending on the design of the device body 100.

In an example embodiment, the nicotine pod assembly 300 includes a frontface, a rear face opposite the front face, a first side face between thefront face and the rear face, a second side face opposite the first sideface, an upstream end face, and a downstream end face opposite theupstream end face. The corners of the side and end faces (e.g., cornerof the first side face and the upstream end face, corner of upstream endface and the second side face, corner of the second side face and thedownstream end face, corner of the downstream end face and the firstside face) may be rounded. However, in some instances, the corners maybe angular. In addition, the peripheral edge of the front face may be ina form of a ledge. The external face of the connector module 320 (thatis exposed by the pod body) may be regarded as being part of theupstream end face of the nicotine pod assembly 300. The front face ofthe nicotine pod assembly 300 may be wider and longer than the rearface. In such an instance, the first side face and the second side facemay be angled inwards towards each other. The upstream end face and thedownstream end face may also be angled inwards towards each other.Because of the angled faces, the insertion of the nicotine pod assembly300 will be unidirectional (e.g., from the front side (side associatedwith the front cover 104) of the device body 100). As a result, thepossibility that the nicotine pod assembly 300 will be improperlyinserted into the device body 100 can be reduced or prevented.

As illustrated, the pod body of the nicotine pod assembly 300 includes afirst housing section 302 and a second housing section 308. The firsthousing section 302 has a downstream end defining the pod outlet 304.The rim of the pod outlet 304 may optionally be a sunken or indentedregion. In such an instance, this region may resemble a cove, whereinthe side of the rim adjacent to the rear face of the nicotine podassembly 300 may be open, while the side of the rim adjacent to thefront face may be surrounded by a raised portion of the downstream endof the first housing section 302. The raised portion may function as astopper for the distal end of the mouthpiece 102. As a result, thisconfiguration for the pod outlet 304 may facilitate the receiving andaligning of the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 (e.g., FIG. 11 ) viathe open side of the rim and its subsequent seating against the raisedportion of the downstream end of the first housing section 302. In anon-limiting embodiment, the distal end of the mouthpiece 102 may alsoinclude (or be formed of) a resilient material to help create a sealaround the pod outlet 304 when the nicotine pod assembly 300 is properlyinserted within the through hole 150 of the device body 100.

The downstream end of the first housing section 302 additionally definesat least one downstream recess. In an example embodiment, the at leastone downstream recess is in a form of a first downstream recess 306 aand a second downstream recess 306 b. The pod outlet 304 may be betweenthe first downstream recess 306 a and the second downstream recess 306b. The first downstream recess 306 a and the second downstream recess306 b are configured to engage with the first downstream protrusion 130a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b, respectively, of thedevice body 100. As shown in FIG. 11 , the first downstream protrusion130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b of the device body 100may be disposed on adjacent corners of the downstream sidewall of thethrough hole 150. The first downstream recess 306 a and the seconddownstream recess 306 b may each be in a form of a V-shaped notch. Insuch an instance, each of the first downstream protrusion 130 a and thesecond downstream protrusion 130 b of the device body 100 may be in aform of a wedge-shaped structure configured to engage with acorresponding V-shaped notch of the first downstream recess 306 a andthe second downstream recess 306 b. The first downstream recess 306 amay abut the corner of the downstream end face and the first side face,while the second downstream recess 306 b may abut the corner of thedownstream end face and the second side face. As a result, the edges ofthe first downstream recess 306 a and the second downstream recess 306 badjacent to the first side face and the second side face, respectively,may be open. In such an instance, as shown in FIG. 18 , each of thefirst downstream recess 306 a and the second downstream recess 306 b maybe a 3-sided recess.

The second housing section 308 has an upstream end further defining (inaddition to the pod inlet 322) a plurality of openings (e.g., firstpower contact opening 325 a, second power contact opening 325 b, datacontact opening 327) configured to expose the connector module 320(FIGS. 20-21 ) within the nicotine pod assembly 300. The upstream end ofthe second housing section 308 also defines at least one upstreamrecess. In an example embodiment, the at least one upstream recess is ina form of a first upstream recess 312 a and a second upstream recess 312b. The pod inlet 322 may be between the first upstream recess 312 a andthe second upstream recess 312 b. The first upstream recess 312 a andthe second upstream recess 312 b are configured to engage with the firstupstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b,respectively, of the device body 100. As shown in FIG. 12 , the firstupstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b ofthe device body 100 may be disposed on adjacent corners of the upstreamsidewall of the through hole 150. A depth of each of the first upstreamrecess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b may be greater than adepth of each of the first downstream recess 306 a and the seconddownstream recess 306 b. A terminus of each of the first upstream recess312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b may also be more rounded thana terminus of each of the first downstream recess 306 a and the seconddownstream recess 306 b. For instance, the first upstream recess 312 aand the second upstream recess 312 b may each be in a form of a U-shapedindentation. In such an instance, each of the first upstream protrusion128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b of the device body 100may be in a form of a rounded knob configured to engage with acorresponding U-shaped indentation of the first upstream recess 312 aand the second upstream recess 312 b. The first upstream recess 312 amay abut the corner of the upstream end face and the first side face,while the second upstream recess 312 b may abut the corner of theupstream end face and the second side face. As a result, the edges ofthe first upstream recess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 badjacent to the first side face and the second side face, respectively,may be open.

The first housing section 302 may define a reservoir within configuredto hold the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The reservoir may beconfigured to hermetically seal the nicotine pre-vapor formulation untilan activation of the nicotine pod assembly 300 to release the nicotinepre-vapor formulation from the reservoir. As a result of the hermeticseal, the nicotine pre-vapor formulation may be isolated from theenvironment as well as the internal elements of the nicotine podassembly 300 that may potentially react with the nicotine pre-vaporformulation, thereby reducing or preventing the possibility of adverseeffects to the shelf-life and/or sensorial characteristics (e.g.,flavor) of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation. The second housingsection 308 may contain structures configured to activate the nicotinepod assembly 300 and to receive and heat the nicotine pre-vaporformulation released from the reservoir after the activation.

The nicotine pod assembly 300 may be activated manually by an adultvaper prior to the insertion of the nicotine pod assembly 300 into thedevice body 100. Alternatively, the nicotine pod assembly 300 may beactivated as part of the insertion of the nicotine pod assembly 300 intothe device body 100. In an example embodiment, the second housingsection 308 of the pod body includes a perforator configured to releasethe nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir in the firsthousing section 302 during the activation of the nicotine pod assembly300. The perforator may be in a form of a first activation pin 314 a anda second activation pin 314 b, which will be discussed in more detailherein.

To activate the nicotine pod assembly 300 manually, an adult vaper maypress the first activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 binward (e.g., simultaneously or sequentially) prior to inserting thenicotine pod assembly 300 into the through hole 150 of the device body100. For instance, the first activation pin 314 a and the secondactivation pin 314 b may be manually pressed until the ends thereof aresubstantially even with the upstream end face of the nicotine podassembly 300. In an example embodiment, the inward movement of the firstactivation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 b causes a sealof the reservoir to be punctured or otherwise compromised so as torelease the nicotine pre-vapor formulation therefrom.

Alternatively, to activate the nicotine pod assembly 300 as part of theinsertion of the nicotine pod assembly 300 into the device body 100, thenicotine pod assembly 300 is initially positioned such that the firstupstream recess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b are engagedwith the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstreamprotrusion 128 b, respectively (e.g., upstream engagement). Because eachof the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstreamprotrusion 128 b of the device body 100 may be in a form of a roundedknob configured to engage with a corresponding U-shaped indentation ofthe first upstream recess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b,the nicotine pod assembly 300 may be subsequently pivoted with relativeease about the first upstream protrusion 128 a and the second upstreamprotrusion 128 b and into the through hole 150 of the device body 100.

With regard to the pivoting of the nicotine pod assembly 300, the axisof rotation may be regarded as extending through the first upstreamprotrusion 128 a and the second upstream protrusion 128 b and orientedorthogonally to a longitudinal axis of the device body 100. During theinitial positioning and subsequent pivoting of the nicotine pod assembly300, the first activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 bwill come into contact with the upstream sidewall of the through hole150 and transition from a protracted state to a retracted state as thefirst activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 b arepushed (e.g., simultaneously) into the second housing section 308 as thenicotine pod assembly 300 progresses into the through hole 150. When thedownstream end of the nicotine pod assembly 300 reaches the vicinity ofthe downstream sidewall of the through hole 150 and comes into contactwith the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the second downstreamprotrusion 130 b, the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the seconddownstream protrusion 130 b will retract and then resiliently protract(e.g., spring back) when the positioning of the nicotine pod assembly300 allows the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the seconddownstream protrusion 130 b of the device body 100 to engage with thefirst downstream recess 306 a and the second downstream recess 306 b,respectively, of the nicotine pod assembly 300 (e.g., downstreamengagement).

As noted supra, according to an example embodiment, the mouthpiece 102is secured to the retention structure 140 (of which the first downstreamprotrusion 130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b are a part).In such an instance, the retraction of the first downstream protrusion130 a and the second downstream protrusion 130 b from the through hole150 will cause a simultaneous shift of the mouthpiece 102 by acorresponding distance in the same direction (e.g., downstreamdirection). Conversely, the mouthpiece 102 will spring backsimultaneously with the first downstream protrusion 130 a and the seconddownstream protrusion 130 b when the nicotine pod assembly 300 has beensufficiently inserted to facilitate downstream engagement. In additionto the resilient engagement by the first downstream protrusion 130 a andthe second downstream protrusion 130 b, the distal end of the mouthpiece102 is configured to also be biased against the nicotine pod assembly300 (and aligned with the pod outlet 304 so as to form a relativelyvapor-tight seal) when the nicotine pod assembly 300 is properly seatedwithin the through hole 150 of the device body 100.

Furthermore, the downstream engagement may produce an audible clickand/or a haptic feedback to indicate that the nicotine pod assembly 300is properly seated within the through hole 150 of the device body 100.When properly seated, the nicotine pod assembly 300 will be connected tothe device body 100 mechanically, electrically, and fluidically.Although the non-limiting embodiments herein describe the upstreamengagement of the nicotine pod assembly 300 as occurring before thedownstream engagement, it should be understood that the pertinentmating, activation, and/or electrical arrangements may be reversed suchthat the downstream engagement occurs before the upstream engagement.The engagement of the nicotine pod assembly 300 with the device body 100as well as other aspects of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may also beas described in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/695,415, titled “NicotinePod Assemblies And Nicotine E-vaping Devices” (Atty. Dkt. No.24000-000443-US), filed on Nov. 26, 2019, the entire contents of whichis incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 20 is a partially exploded view of the nicotine pod assembly ofFIG. 19 . Referring to FIG. 20 , the first housing section 302 includesa vapor channel 316. The vapor channel 316 is configured to receive thenicotine vapor generated during vaping and is in fluidic communicationwith the pod outlet 304. In an example embodiment, the vapor channel 316may gradually increase in size (e.g., diameter) as it extends towardsthe pod outlet 304. In addition, the vapor channel 316 may be integrallyformed with the first housing section 302. An insert 342 and a seal 344are disposed at an upstream end of the first housing section 302 todefine the reservoir of the nicotine pod assembly 300. For instance, theinsert 342 may be seated within the first housing section 302 such thatthe peripheral surface of the insert 342 engages with the inner surfaceof the first housing section 302 along the rim (e.g., via interferencefit) such that the interface of the peripheral surface of the insert 342and the inner surface of the first housing section 302 is fluid-tight(e.g., liquid-tight and/or air-tight). Furthermore, the seal 344 isattached to the upstream side of the insert 342 to close off thereservoir outlets in the insert 342 so as to provide a fluid-tight(e.g., liquid-tight and/or air-tight) containment of the nicotinepre-vapor formulation in the reservoir. The insert 342 and the seal 344are also illustrated, for instance, in FIG. 24 and will be discussed inmore detail herein.

The upstream end of the second housing section 308 defines a pod inlet322, a first power contact opening 325 a, a second power contact opening325 b, a data contact opening 327, a first upstream recess 312 a, asecond upstream recess 312 b, a first pin opening 315 a, and a secondpin opening 315 b. As noted supra, the pod inlet 322 allows air to enterthe nicotine pod assembly 300 during vaping, while the first powercontact opening 325 a, the second power contact opening 325 b, and thedata contact opening 327 are configured to expose the first powercontact 324 a, the second power contact 324 b, and the data contacts326, respectively, of the connector module 320. In an exampleembodiment, the first power contact 324 a and the second power contact324 b are mounted on a module housing 354 of the connector module 320.In addition, the data contacts 326 may be disposed on a printed circuitboard (PCB) 362. Furthermore, the pod inlet 322 may be situated betweenthe first upstream recess 312 a and the second upstream recess 312 b,while the contact openings (e.g., first power contact opening 325 a,second power contact opening 325 b, data contact opening 327) may besituated between the first pin opening 315 a and the second pin opening315 b. The first pin opening 315 a and the second pin opening 315 b areconfigured to accommodate the first activation pin 314 a and the secondactivation pin 314 b, respectively, which extend therethrough.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view of the connector module in FIG. 20 . FIG.22 is another perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 21 .Referring to FIGS. 21-22 , the general framework of the connector module320 includes a module housing 354. In addition, the connector module 320has a plurality of faces, including an external face and side facesadjacent to the external face. In an example embodiment, the externalface of the connector module 320 is composed of upstream surfaces of themodule housing 354, the first power contact 324 a, the second powercontact 324 b, the data contacts 326, and the printed circuit board(PCB) 362. The side faces of the connector module 320 may be integralparts of the module housing 354 and generally orthogonal to the externalface.

The nicotine pod assembly 300 defines a flow path within from the podinlet 322 to the pod outlet 304. The flow path through the nicotine podassembly 300 includes, inter alia, a first diverged portion, a seconddiverged portion, and a converged portion. The pod inlet 322 is upstreamfrom the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of theflow path. In particular, as shown in FIG. 21 , the side face (e.g.,inlet side face) of the module housing 354 (and the connector module320) above the first power contact 324 a and the second power contact324 b is recessed so as to define a divider 329 along with initialsegments of the first diverged portion and the second diverged portionof the flow path. In an example embodiment where the divider 329 isindented from the external face of the module housing 354 (e.g., FIG. 21), the side face of the module housing 354 above the first power contact324 a and the second power contact 324 b may also be regarded asdefining an inlet portion of the flow path that is downstream from thepod inlet 322 and upstream from the first diverged portion and thesecond diverged portion of the flow path.

The pair of longer side faces (e.g., vertical side faces) of the modulehousing 354 is also recessed so as to define subsequent segments of thefirst diverged portion and the second diverged portion of the flow path.Herein, the pair of longer side faces of the module housing 354 may bereferred to, in the alternative, as lateral faces. The sector of themodule housing 354 covered by the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 inFIG. 21 (but shown in FIG. 30 ) defines further segments of the firstdiverged portion and the second diverged portion along with theconverged portion of the flow path. The further segments of the firstdiverged portion and the second diverged portion include a first curvedsegment (e.g., first curved path 330 a) and a second curved segment(e.g., second curved path 330 b), respectively. As will be discussed inmore detail herein, the first diverged portion and the second divergedportion convene to form the converged portion of the flow path.

When the connector module 320 is seated within a receiving cavity in thedownstream side of the second housing section 308, the unrecessed sidefaces of the module housing 354 interface with the sidewalls of thereceiving cavity of the second housing section 308, while the recessedside faces of the module housing 354 together with the sidewalls of thereceiving cavity define the first diverged portion and the seconddiverged portion of the flow path. The seating of the connector module320 within the receiving cavity of the second housing section 308 may bevia a close-fit arrangement such that the connector module 320 remainsessentially stationary within the nicotine pod assembly 300.

As shown in FIG. 22 , the connector module 320 includes a wick 338 thatis configured to transfer a nicotine pre-vapor formulation to a heater336. The heater 336 is configured to heat the nicotine pre-vaporformulation during vaping to generate a nicotine vapor. The heater 336is electrically connected to at least one electrical contact of theconnector module 320. For instance, one end (e.g., first end) of theheater 336 may be connected to the first power contact 324 a, while theother end (e.g., second end) of the heater 336 may be connected to thesecond power contact 324 b. In an example embodiment, the heater 336includes a folded heating element. In such an instance, the wick 338 mayhave a planar form configured to be held by the folded heating element.When the nicotine pod assembly 300 is assembled, the wick 338 isconfigured to be in fluidic communication with an absorbent material 346(e.g., FIG. 25 ) such that the nicotine pre-vapor formulation that willbe in the absorbent material 346 (when the nicotine pod assembly 300 isactivated) will be transferred to the wick 338 via capillary action.

In an example embodiment, an incoming air flow entering the nicotine podassembly 300 through the pod inlet 322 is directed by the divider 329into the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of theflow path. The divider 329 may be wedge-shaped and configured to splitthe incoming air flow into opposite directions (e.g., at leastinitially). The split air flow may include a first air flow (thattravels through the first diverged portion of the flow path) and asecond air flow (that travels through the second diverged portion of theflow path). Following the split by the divider 329, the first air flowtravels along the inlet side face and continues around the corner to andalong the first lateral face to the first curved path 330 a. Similarly,the second air flow travels along the inlet side face and continuesaround the corner to and along the second lateral face to the secondcurved path 330 b (e.g., FIG. 30 ). The converged portion of the flowpath is downstream from the first diverged portion and the seconddiverged portion. The heater 336 and the wick 338 are downstream fromthe converged portion of the flow path. Thus, the first air flow joinswith the second air flow in the converged portion (e.g., converged path330 c in FIG. 30 ) of the flow path to form a combined flow beforepassing through a module outlet 368 (e.g., labeled in FIG. 28 ) in themodule housing 354 to the heater 336 and the wick 338.

FIG. 23 is an exploded view involving the wick and heater in FIG. 22 .Referring to FIG. 23 , the wick 338 may be a fibrous pad or otherstructure with pores/interstices designed for capillary action. Inaddition, the wick 338 may have a rectangular shape, although exampleembodiments are not limited thereto. For instance, the wick 338 may havean alternative shape of an irregular hexagon, wherein two of the sidesare angled inward and toward the heater 336. The wick 338 may befabricated into the desired shape or cut from a larger sheet of materialinto such a shape. Where the lower section of the wick 338 is taperedtowards the winding section of the heater 336 (e.g., hexagon shape), thelikelihood of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation being in a part of thewick 338 that continuously evades vaporization (due to its distance fromthe heater 336) can be reduced or avoided. Furthermore, as noted supra,the heater 336 may include a folded heating element configured to gripthe wick 338. The folded heating element may also include at least oneprong 337 configured to protrude into the wick 338.

In an example embodiment, the heater 336 is configured to undergo Jouleheating (which is also known as ohmic/resistive heating) upon theapplication of an electric current thereto. Stated in more detail, theheater 336 may be formed of one or more conductors (resistive materials)and configured to produce heat when an electric current passestherethrough. The electric current may be supplied from a power source(e.g., battery) within the device body 100 and conveyed to the heater336 via the first power contact 324 a or the second power contact 324 b.

Suitable conductors (resistive materials) for the heater 336 include aniron-based alloy (e.g., stainless steel) and/or a nickel-based alloy(e.g., nichrome). The heater 336 may be fabricated from a conductivesheet (e.g., metal, alloy) that is stamped to cut a winding patterntherefrom. The winding pattern may have curved segments alternatelyarranged with horizontal segments so as to allow the horizontal segmentsto zigzag back and forth while extending in parallel. In addition, awidth of each of the horizontal segments of the winding pattern may besubstantially equal to a spacing between adjacent horizontal segments ofthe winding pattern, although example embodiments are not limitedthereto. To obtain the form of the heater 336 shown in the drawings, thewinding pattern may be folded so as to grip the wick 338. Additionally,when the prongs 337 are part of the heater 336, the projectionscorresponding to the prongs 337 are bent (e.g., inward and/ororthogonally) before the winding pattern is folded. As a result of theprongs 337, the possibility that the wick 338 will slip out of theheater 336 will be reduced or prevented. The heater and associatedstructures are discussed in more detail in U.S. application Ser. No.15/729,909, titled “Folded Heater For Electronic Vaping Device” (Atty.Dkt. No. 24000-000371-US), filed Oct. 11, 2017, the entire contents ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference.

FIG. 24 is an exploded view involving the first housing section of thenicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 . Referring to FIG. 24 , the firsthousing section 302 includes a vapor channel 316. The vapor channel 316is configured to receive nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 andis in fluidic communication with the pod outlet 304. In an exampleembodiment, the vapor channel 316 may gradually increase in size (e.g.,diameter) as it extends towards the pod outlet 304. In addition, thevapor channel 316 may be integrally formed with the first housingsection 302. An insert 342 and a seal 344 are disposed at an upstreamend of the first housing section 302 to define the reservoir of thenicotine pod assembly 300. For instance, the insert 342 may be seatedwithin the first housing section 302 such that the peripheral surface ofthe insert 342 engages with the inner surface of the first housingsection 302 along the rim (e.g., via interference fit) such that theinterface of the peripheral surface of the insert 342 and the innersurface of the first housing section 302 is fluid-tight (e.g.,liquid-tight and/or air-tight). Furthermore, the seal 344 is attached tothe upstream side of the insert 342 to close off the reservoir outletsin the insert 342 so as to provide a fluid-tight (e.g., liquid-tightand/or air-tight) containment of the nicotine pre-vapor formulation inthe reservoir. Herein, the first housing section 302, the insert 342,and the seal 344 may be referred to collectively as the first section.As will be discussed in more detail herein, the first section isconfigured to hermetically seal the nicotine pre-vapor formulation untilan activation of the nicotine pod assembly 300.

In an example embodiment, the insert 342 includes a holder portion thatprojects from the upstream side (as shown in FIG. 24 ) and a connectorportion that projects from the downstream side (hidden from view in FIG.24 ). The holder portion of the insert 342 is configured to hold theabsorbent material 346 (e.g., FIG. 25 ), while the connector portion ofthe insert 342 is configured to engage with the vapor channel 316 of thefirst housing section 302. The connector portion of the insert 342 maybe configured to be seated within the vapor channel 316 and, thus,engage the interior of the vapor channel 316. Alternatively, theconnector portion of the insert 342 may be configured to receive thevapor channel 316 and, thus, engage with the exterior of the vaporchannel 316. The insert 342 also defines reservoir outlets through whichthe nicotine pre-vapor formulation flows when the seal 344 is puncturedduring the activation of the nicotine pod assembly 300. The holderportion and the connector portion of the insert 342 may be between thereservoir outlets (e.g., first and second reservoir outlets), althoughexample embodiments are not limited thereto. Furthermore, the insert 342defines a vapor conduit extending through the holder portion and theconnector portion. As a result, when the insert 342 is seated within thefirst housing section 302, the vapor conduit of the insert 342 will bealigned with and in fluidic communication with the vapor channel 316 soas to form a continuous path through the reservoir to the pod outlet 304for the nicotine vapor generated by the heater 336 during vaping.

The seal 344 is attached to the upstream side of the insert 342 so as tocover the reservoir outlets in the insert 342. In an example embodiment,the seal 344 defines an opening (e.g., central opening) configured toprovide the pertinent clearance to accommodate the holder portion (thatprojects from the upstream side of the insert 342) when the seal 344 isattached to the insert 342. When the seal 344 is punctured by the firstactivation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 b of the nicotinepod assembly 300, the two punctured sections of the seal 344 will bepushed into the reservoir as flaps, thus creating two punctured openings(e.g., one on each side of the central opening) in the seal 344. Thesize and shape of the punctured openings in the seal 344 may correspondto the size and shape of the reservoir outlets in the insert 342. Incontrast, when in an unpunctured state as shown in FIG. 24 , the seal344 will have a planar form and only one opening (e.g., centralopening). The seal 344 is designed to be strong enough to remain intactduring the normal movement and/or handling of the nicotine pod assembly300 so as to avoid being prematurely/inadvertently breached. Forinstance, the seal 344 may be a coated foil (e.g., aluminum-backedpolyethylene terephthalate (PET)).

FIG. 25 is a partially exploded view involving the second housingsection of the nicotine pod assembly of FIG. 17 . Referring to FIG. 25 ,the second housing section 308 is structured to contain variouscomponents configured to release, receive, and heat the nicotinepre-vapor formulation. For instance, the first activation pin 314 a andthe second activation pin 314 b are configured to puncture the reservoirin the first housing section 302 to release the nicotine pre-vaporformulation. Each of the first activation pin 314 a and the secondactivation pin 314 b has a distal end that extends through acorresponding one of the first pin opening 315 a and the second pinopening 315 b in the second housing section 308. In an exampleembodiment, the distal ends of the first activation pin 314 a and thesecond activation pin 314 b are visible after assembly (e.g., FIG. 17 ),while the remainder of the first activation pin 314 a and the secondactivation pin 314 b are hidden from view within the nicotine podassembly 300. In addition, each of the first activation pin 314 a andthe second activation pin 314 b has a proximal end that is positioned soas to be adjacent to and upstream from the seal 344 prior to activationof the nicotine pod assembly 300. When the first activation pin 314 aand the second activation pin 314 b are pushed into the second housingsection 308 to activate the nicotine pod assembly 300, the proximal endof each of the first activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin314 b will advance through the insert 342 and, as a result, puncture theseal 344, which will release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from thereservoir. The movement of the first activation pin 314 a may beindependent of the movement of the second activation pin 314 b (and viceversa). The first activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314b will be discussed in more detail herein.

The absorbent material 346 may be seated within a holder (e.g., top hatholder 345). The absorbent material 346 is also downstream from and influidic communication with the wick 338. Furthermore, as noted supra,the absorbent material 346 is configured to engage with the holderportion of the insert 342 (which, as shown in FIG. 24 , projects fromthe upstream side of the insert 342). The absorbent material 346 mayhave an annular form, although example embodiments are not limitedthereto. As depicted in FIG. 25 , the absorbent material 346 mayresemble a hollow cylinder. In such an instance, the outer diameter ofthe absorbent material 346 may be substantially equal to (or slightlylarger than) the length of the wick 338. The inner diameter of theabsorbent material 346 may be smaller than the average outer diameter ofthe holder portion of the insert 342 so as to result in an interferencefit. To facilitate the engagement with the absorbent material 346, thetip of the holder portion of the insert 342 may be tapered. Theabsorbent material 346 is configured to receive and hold a quantity ofthe nicotine pre-vapor formulation released from the reservoir when thenicotine pod assembly 300 is activated.

The wick 338 is positioned within the nicotine pod assembly 300 so as tobe in fluidic communication with the absorbent material 346 such thatthe nicotine pre-vapor formulation can be drawn from the absorbentmaterial 346 to the heater 336 via capillary action. The wick 338 mayphysically contact an upstream side of the absorbent material 346 (e.g.,bottom of the absorbent material 346 based on the view shown in FIG. 25). In addition, the wick 338 may be aligned with a diameter of theabsorbent material 346, although example embodiments are not limitedthereto.

As illustrated in FIG. 25 (as well as previous FIG. 23 ), the heater 336may have a folded configuration so as to grip and establish thermalcontact with the opposing surfaces of the wick 338. The heater 336 isconfigured to heat the wick 338 during vaping to generate a nicotinevapor. To facilitate such heating, the first end of the heater 336 maybe electrically connected to the first power contact 324 a, while thesecond end of the heater 336 may be electrically connected to the secondpower contact 324 b. As a result, an electric current may be suppliedfrom a power source (e.g., battery) within the device body 100 andconveyed to the heater 336 via the first power contact 324 a or thesecond power contact 324 b. The relevant details of other aspects of theconnector module 320 that have already been discussed supra (e.g., inconnection with FIGS. 21-22 ) will not be repeated in this section inthe interest of brevity. In an example embodiment, although hidden fromview in FIG. 25 , the second housing section 308 includes a receivingcavity for the connector module 320. Collectively, the second housingsection 308 and the above-discussed components therein may be referredto as the second section. During vaping, the nicotine vapor generated bythe heater 336 is drawn through the vapor conduit of the insert 342,through the vapor channel 316 of the first housing section 302, out thepod outlet 304 of the nicotine pod assembly 300, and through the vaporpassage 136 of the mouthpiece 102 to the vapor outlet(s).

FIG. 26 is an exploded view of the top hat holder in FIG. 25 . Referringto FIG. 26 , the top hat holder 345 includes a base portion 345 a and acylindrical portion 345 b. In an example embodiment, the base portion345 a and the cylindrical portion 345 b are integrally formed. Thecylindrical portion 345 b defines a well configured to receive theabsorbent material 346. Optionally, the inner, lower surface of the wellmay include a ledge (or other projection) to support the absorbentmaterial 346 such that the absorbent material 346 does not simply slidethrough or sag from the top hat holder 345 (e.g., when the absorbentmaterial 346 is saturated with the nicotine pre-vapor formulationreleased from the reservoir). In addition, the base portion 345 adefines a groove configured to receive a gasket 345 c. Furthermore, apair of integrally formed posts may extend from the base portion 345 aand along the exterior of the cylindrical portion 345 b so as toprotrude beyond the rim of the cylindrical portion 345 b. When the tophat holder 345 is assembled within the nicotine pod assembly 300, thesepair of integrally formed posts may abut an underside of the insert 342with a portion of the seal 344 therebetween.

FIG. 27 is an exploded view of the activation pin in FIG. 25 . Referringto FIG. 27 , the activation pin may be in the form of a first activationpin 314 a and a second activation pin 314 b. While two activation pinsare shown and discussed in connection with the non-limiting embodimentsherein, it should be understood that, alternatively, the nicotine podassembly 300 may include only one activation pin. In FIG. 27 , the firstactivation pin 314 a may include a first blade 348 a, a first actuator350 a, and a first O-ring 352 a. Similarly, the second activation pin314 b may include a second blade 348 b, a second actuator 350 b, and asecond O-ring 352 b.

In an example embodiment, the first blade 348 a and the second blade 348b are integrally formed with the first actuator 350 a and the secondactuator 350 b, respectively. Alternatively, the first blade 348 a andthe second blade 348 b may be configured to be mounted or attached toupper portions (e.g., proximal portions) of the first actuator 350 a andthe second actuator 350 b, respectively. The mounting or attachment maybe achieved via a snap-fit connection, an interference fit (e.g.,friction fit) connection, an adhesive, or other suitable couplingtechnique. The top of each of the first blade 348 a and the second blade348 b may have one or more curved or concave edges that taper upward toa pointed tip. For instance, each of the first blade 348 a and thesecond blade 348 b may have two pointed tips with a concave edgetherebetween and a curved edge adjacent to each pointed tip. The radiiof curvature of the concave edge and the curved edges may be the same,while their arc lengths may differ. The first blade 348 a and the secondblade 348 b may be formed of a sheet metal (e.g., stainless steel) thatis cut or otherwise shaped to have the desired profile and bent to itsfinal form. In another instance, the first blade 348 a and the secondblade 348 b may be formed of plastic (e.g., when integrally formed withthe first actuator 350 a and the second actuator 350 b).

Based on a plan view, the size and shape of the first blade 348 a, thesecond blade 348 b, and portions of the first actuator 350 a and thesecond actuator 350 b on which they are integrally formed (or mounted)may correspond to the size and shape of the reservoir outlets in theinsert 342. Additionally, as shown in FIG. 27 , the first activation pin314 a and the second activation pin 314 b may include projecting edges(e.g., curved inner lips which face each other) configured to push thetwo punctured sections of the seal 344 into the reservoir as the firstblade 348 a and the second blade 348 b advance into the reservoir. In anon-limiting embodiment, when the first activation pin 314 a and thesecond activation pin 314 b are fully inserted into the nicotine podassembly 300, the two flaps (from the two punctured sections of the seal344) may be between the curved sidewalls of the reservoir outlets of theinsert 342 and the corresponding curvatures of the projecting edges ofthe first activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 b. As aresult, the likelihood of the two punctured openings in the seal 344becoming obstructed (by the two flaps from the two punctured sections)may be reduced or prevented. Furthermore, the first activation pin 314 aand the second activation pin 314 b may be configured to guide thenicotine pre-vapor formulation from the reservoir toward the absorbentmaterial 346 within the top hat holder 345.

The lower portion (e.g., distal portion) of each of the first actuator350 a and the second actuator 350 b is configured to extend through abottom section (e.g., upstream end) of the second housing section 308.This rod-like portion of each of the first actuator 350 a and the secondactuator 350 b may also be referred to as the shaft. The first O-ring352 a and the second O-ring 352 b may be seated in annular grooves inthe respective shafts of the first actuator 350 a and the secondactuator 350 b. The first O-ring 352 a and the second O-ring 352 b areconfigured to engage with the shafts of the first actuator 350 a and thesecond actuator 350 b as well as the inner surfaces of the correspondingopenings in the second housing section 308 in order to provide afluid-tight seal. As a result, when the first activation pin 314 a andthe second activation pin 314 b are pushed inward to activate thenicotine pod assembly 300, the first O-ring 352 a and the second O-ring352 b may move together with the respective shafts of the first actuator350 a and the second actuator 350 b within the corresponding openings inthe second housing section 308 while maintaining their respective seals,thereby helping to reduce or prevent leakage of the nicotine pre-vaporformulation through the openings in the second housing section 308 forthe first activation pin 314 a and the second activation pin 314 b. Thefirst O-ring 352 a and the second O-ring 352 b may be formed ofsilicone.

The perforator for the nicotine pod assembly 300 may include a notchconfigured to engage with a clip to preclude a premature actuation ofthe perforator. For instance, the shafts of the first activation pin 314a and the second activation pin 314 b may define a first notch 351 a anda second notch 351 b, respectively, configured to engage with such aclip. In an example embodiment, the clip may be a planar structuredefining a first slot and a second slot configured to engage with thefirst notch 351 a and a second notch 351 b, respectively. When engagedwith the shafts of the first activation pin 314 a and the secondactivation pin 314 b (via the first notch 351 a and a second notch 351b, respectively), the clip may be adjacent to the second housing section308, thereby preventing the first activation pin 314 a and/or the secondactivation pin 314 b from being inadvertently pushed into the nicotinepod assembly 300. As a result, the first activation pin 314 a and thesecond activation pin 314 b may be adequately restrained (e.g., duringshipping and/or handling) to reduce or prevent the possibility of theirpremature actuation. The clip may be removed (e.g., by an adult vaper)at an appropriate time when the nicotine pod assembly 300 is to beactivated.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the connector module of FIG. 22 withoutthe wick and heater. FIG. 29 is an exploded view of the connector moduleof FIG. 28 . FIG. 30 is another exploded view of the connector module ofFIG. 28 . Referring to FIGS. 28-30 , the module housing 354 forms theframework of the connector module 320. The module housing 354 defines,inter alia, the divider 329 and the flow path for the air drawn into thenicotine pod assembly 300. When assembled within the nicotine podassembly 300, the downstream rim of the module housing 354 may beengaged with the upstream rim of the base portion 345 a of the top hatholder 345 (e.g., FIG. 26 ). As a result, the heater 336 and the wick338 (e.g., FIG. 22 ) may be enclosed (at least partially) by the modulehousing 354 and the top hat holder 345. In addition, the internal spacedefined by the module housing 354 and the top hat holder 345 whenassembled (within which the heater 336 and the wick 338 are disposed)may be regarded as a heating chamber. The heating chamber is in fluidiccommunication with the flow path in the upstream side of the modulehousing 354 via a module outlet 368.

As noted supra, the flow path for the air drawn into the nicotine podassembly 300 includes a first diverged portion, a second divergedportion, and a converged portion defined by the module housing 354. Inan example embodiment, the first diverged portion and the seconddiverged portion are symmetrical portions bisected by an axiscorresponding to the converged portion of the flow path. For instance,as shown in FIG. 30 , the first diverged portion, the second divergedportion, and the converged portion may include a first curved path 330a, a second curved path 330 b, and a converged path 330 c, respectively.The first curved path 330 a and the second curved path 330 b may besubstantially U-shaped paths, while the converged path 330 c may besubstantially a linear path. Based on an axis corresponding to theconverged path 330 c and aligned with a crest of the divider 329, thefirst diverged portion of the flow path may be a mirror image of thesecond diverged portion of the flow path. During vaping, the air drawnthrough the pod inlet 322 may be split by the divider 329 and initiallyflow in opposite directions away from the divider 329, followed by asubsequent flow in parallel before each air stream makes a U-turn (viathe first curved path 330 a and the second curved path 330 b) andconvenes (via the converged path 330 c) for a combined flow that travelsback toward the divider 329 prior to passing through the module outlet368 to the heating chamber. The heater 336 and the wick 338 may bepositioned such that both sides are exposed substantially equally to theflow of air passing through the module outlet 368. During vaping, thenicotine vapor generated is entrained by the flow of air travelingthrough the heating chamber to the vapor channel 316.

A partition 370 may be disposed within the module outlet 368 to splitthe flow of air entering the heating chamber. The heater 336 and thewick 338 (e.g., FIG. 22 ) are downstream from the module outlet 368 andmay be oriented so as to be aligned with the partition 370. As a resultof the partition 370, the flow of air may be split relatively equallysuch that a first flow passes along a first side of the heater 336 (andthe wick 338) while a second flow passes along a second side of theheater 336 (and the wick 338). In an example embodiment, the magnitudes(e.g., velocity, volumetric flow rate, mass flow rate) of the first flowand the second flow may be within ±10% of each other. For instance, withregard to the air drawn into the heating chamber, 51% may be part of thefirst flow, while 49% may be part of the second flow, although it shouldbe understood that variations within the above range may occur. Inaddition to reducing the flow imbalance through the heating chamber, thepartition 370 may also be regarded as a flow straightener.

The partition 370 may be in a form of a bar that extends across (e.g.,bisects) the module outlet 368. As for dimensions, the partition 370 mayhave a thickness of about 150-250 μm (e.g., 200 μm). The thickness ofthe partition 370 coincides with the extent to which the module outlet368 is obstructed by the partition 370. Consequently, the thickness ofthe partition 370 and/or the size of the module outlet 368 may beadjusted to provide the desired resistance-to-draw (e.g., 25 mmH₂O) forthe nicotine e-vaping device 500. In addition, the width of thepartition 370 may be between 525-875 μm (e.g., 700 μm). The width may besuch that the partition 370 extends along a majority or an entirety ofthe passage defined by the module outlet 368. Furthermore, assuming acircular cross-section for the module outlet 368, the length of thepartition 370 may correspond to the diameter of the module outlet 368.Alternatively, in instances where the module outlet 368 has anelliptical cross-section, the length of the partition 370 may correspondto an axis (e.g., minor axis, major axis) of the module outlet 368.

As illustrated in FIGS. 29-30 , each of the first power contact 324 aand the second power contact 324 b may include a contact face and acontact leg. The contact leg (which may have an elongated configuration)may be oriented orthogonally relative to the contact face (which may besquare-shaped), although example embodiments are not limited thereto.The module housing 354 may define a pair of shallow depressions and apair of apertures to facilitate the mounting of the first power contact324 a and the second power contact 324 b. During assembly, the contactface of each of the first power contact 324 a and the second powercontact 324 b may be seated in a corresponding one of the pair ofshallow depressions so as to be substantially flush with the externalface of the module housing 354 (e.g., FIG. 21 ). In addition, thecontact leg of each of the first power contact 324 a and the secondpower contact 324 b may extend through a corresponding one of the pairof apertures so as to protrude from the downstream side of the modulehousing 354 (e.g., FIG. 28 ). The heater 336 can be subsequentlyconnected to the contact leg of each of the first power contact 324 aand the second power contact 324 b.

The printed circuit board (PCB) 362 includes the plurality of datacontacts 326 on its upstream side (e.g., FIG. 30 ) and variouselectronic components, including a sensor 364, on its downstream side(e.g., FIG. 29 ). The sensor 364 may be positioned on the printedcircuit board (PCB) 362 such that the sensor 364 is within the convergedpath 330 c defined by the module housing 354. In an example embodiment,the printed circuit board (PCB) 362 (and associated components securedthereto) is an independent structure that is initially inserted into thereceiving cavity in the downstream side of the second housing section308 such that the data contacts 326 are exposed by the data contactopening 327 of the second housing section 308. Afterwards, the modulehousing 354 (with the first power contact 324 a, the second powercontact 324 b, the heater 336, and the wick 338 mounted thereon) may beinserted into the receiving cavity such that the first power contact 324a and the second power contact 324 b are exposed by the first powercontact opening 325 a and the second power contact opening 325 b,respectively, of the second housing section 308. Alternatively, tosimplify the above two-step insertion process to a one-step insertionprocess, it should be understood that the printed circuit board (PCB)362 (and associated components secured thereto) may be affixed to themodule housing 354 (e.g., to form a single integrated structure) so asto cover the first curved path 330 a, the second curved path 330 b, theconverged path 330 c, and the module outlet 368.

As noted supra, the module outlet 368 may be a resistance-to-draw (RTD)port. In such a configuration, the resistance-to-draw for the nicotinee-vaping device 500 may be adjusted by changing the size of the moduleoutlet 368 (rather than changing the size of the pod inlet 322). In anexample embodiment, the size of the module outlet 368 may be selectedsuch that the resistance-to-draw is between 20-100 mmH₂O (e.g., between25-50 mmH₂O). For instance, a diameter of 1.0 mm for the module outlet368 may result in a resistance-to-draw of 88.3 mmH₂O. In anotherinstance, a diameter of 1.1 mm for the module outlet 368 may result in aresistance-to-draw of 73.6 mmH₂O. In another instance, a diameter of 1.2mm for the module outlet 368 may result in a resistance-to-draw of 58.7mmH₂O. In yet another instance, a diameter of 1.3 mm for the moduleoutlet 368 may result in a resistance-to-draw of about 40-43 mmH₂O.Notably, the size of the module outlet 368, because of its internalarrangement, may be adjusted without affecting the external aestheticsof the nicotine pod assembly 300, thereby allowing for a morestandardized product design for nicotine pod assemblies with variousresistance-to-draw (RTD) while also reducing the likelihood of aninadvertent blockage of the incoming air.

The device body 100 and the nicotine pod assembly 300 as well as otheraspects of the nicotine e-vaping device 500 may also be as described inU.S. application Ser. No. 16/695,692, titled “Nicotine Pod AssembliesAnd Nicotine E-vaping Devices” (Atty. Dkt. No. 24000-000440-US), filedon Nov. 26, 2019, and in U.S. application Ser. No. 16/695,643, titled“Nicotine Pod Assemblies And Nicotine E-vaping Devices” (Atty. Dkt. No.24000-000444-US), filed on Nov. 26, 2019, the entire contents of each ofwhich are incorporated herein by reference.

While a number of example embodiments have been disclosed herein, itshould be understood that other variations may be possible. Suchvariations are not to be regarded as a departure from the spirit andscope of the present disclosure, and all such modifications as would beobvious to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within thescope of the following claims.

1. A nicotine pod assembly for a nicotine e-vaping device, comprising: afirst section defining a pod outlet and configured to hold a nicotinepre-vapor formulation; and a second section connected to the firstsection, the second section defining a pod inlet and configured to heatthe nicotine pre-vapor formulation, the pod inlet in fluidiccommunication with the pod outlet via a flow path, the flow pathincluding a first diverged portion, a second diverged portion, and aconverged portion.
 2. The nicotine pod assembly of claim 1, wherein thefirst section is configured to hermetically seal the nicotine pre-vaporformulation until an activation of the nicotine pod assembly.
 3. Thenicotine pod assembly of claim 2, wherein the second section includes aperforator configured to release the nicotine pre-vapor formulation fromthe first section during the activation of the nicotine pod assembly. 4.The nicotine pod assembly of claim 3, wherein the perforator includes anotch configured to engage with a clip to preclude a premature actuationof the perforator.
 5. The nicotine pod assembly of claim 1, wherein thepod inlet is upstream from the first diverged portion and the seconddiverged portion of the flow path.
 6. The nicotine pod assembly of claim1, wherein the converged portion of the flow path is downstream from thefirst diverged portion and the second diverged portion.
 7. The nicotinepod assembly of claim 1, wherein the first diverged portion and thesecond diverged portion convene to form the converged portion of theflow path.
 8. The nicotine pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the secondsection includes a divider configured to direct an incoming air flowinto the first diverged portion and the second diverged portion of theflow path.
 9. The nicotine pod assembly of claim 8, wherein the divideris wedge-shaped and configured to split the incoming air flow intoopposite directions.
 10. The nicotine pod assembly of claim 1, whereinthe first diverged portion includes a first curved segment.
 11. Thenicotine pod assembly of claim 1, wherein the second diverged portionincludes a second curved segment.
 12. The nicotine pod assembly of claim1, wherein the first diverged portion and the second diverged portionare symmetrical portions bisected by an axis corresponding to theconverged portion of the flow path.
 13. The nicotine pod assembly ofclaim 1, wherein the second section includes a heater and a wickdownstream from the converged portion of the flow path.
 14. The nicotinepod assembly of claim 13, wherein the heater includes a folded heatingelement configured to grip the wick.
 15. The nicotine pod assembly ofclaim 14, wherein the folded heating element includes at least one prongconfigured to protrude into the wick.
 16. The nicotine pod assembly ofclaim 13, wherein the second section further includes an absorbentmaterial seated within a holder, the absorbent material being downstreamfrom and in fluidic communication with the wick.
 17. The nicotine podassembly of claim 16, wherein the absorbent material is configured toreceive the nicotine pre-vapor formulation from the first section, andthe wick is configured to transfer the nicotine pre-vapor formulationfrom the absorbent material to the heater.
 18. The nicotine pod assemblyof claim 16, wherein the absorbent material has an annular form, and thewick has a planar form.
 19. The nicotine pod assembly of claim 16,wherein the holder includes a base portion and a cylindrical portion.